On the psychoanalytic view of Harry Potter

This paper analyzes the exemplary mental development that Harry Potter undertakes after the massive traumatic loss of his parents at the early age of 15 months and the following neglect by his relatives until he becomes a mature adult. On the basis of his internalized mothers love and by identification with his father and his paternally friend Dumbledore Harry gains increasing self-confidence and new friends in his peer group in the course of time. After passing numerous conflicts and experiencing friendship Harry reaches the stage of initiation into the world of the adults. On the oedipal level he finally is able to deidealize his father and Dumbledore. And at the end Harry is not seduced by absolute power and the triumph over death itself. On the contrary he is ready to sacrifice himself for his friends and thus can overcome the fragmented Voldemort. Readers can identify with Harry, can recognize their own experiences and conflicts and can deal with the proposed conflict resolution patterns on different levels. This contemporary "Bildungsroman" deals with important typical interpersonal and cultural issues for young people. This is what leads young readers to strong resonance and identification processes and explains the great success of the Harry Potter story.